Bedford Public Library Policy

Subject: Public Internet Policy

Last Updated: 10/01/13

Category: Circulation and Information Services

Supercedes: 06/07/11

I. POLICY

The Bedford Public Library System (BPLS) offers Internet access as an essential tool in providing adults and children of Bedford County with information and resources that support lifelong learning and lifelong enjoyment. The BPLS offers Internet access as broadly and as completely as possible to include the widest possible diversity, views and expressions, and to insure access to all avenues of ideas to as many library users as possible.

Since all Internet sites are potentially accessible and the Internet is an unregulated medium connecting people and information sources from around the world, not all sources on the Internet provide information that is current, accurate, unobjectionable or complete. The BPLS is unable to control the content of materials on the Internet. Users of the Internet should exercise caution and critical judgment in evaluating the content they find on the Internet.

Filtered and unfiltered forms of Internet access are provided for library computers. Filtered access attempts to screen out content deemed obscene or harmful to minors. It is by no means foolproof and may inadvertently allow content intended to be blocked or block unobjectionable content. An adult decides which form of access to use. The parent or legal guardian of a minor will decide if the minor may access the Internet and (a) whether access is to be filtered or (b) if the decision to use filtered or unfiltered access is to be left to the minor. Wireless network provides only filtered access.

There may be times when the user may not be able to access a given site on the Internet due to circumstance beyond the control of the Library System. The BPLSreserves the right to terminate any Internet search session. Users who fail to follow the policies and procedures may indefinitely lose their access privileges, particularly in the case of repeat offenders. Illegal or disruptive behaviors can result in immediate termination of access and may necessarily involve intervention by law enforcement authorities.

Library staff will be glad to assist our library users with using the Internet. In the event library staff is not familiar with specific programs or capabilities, the library user will be responsible for learning the needed skills.

II. APPLICABILITY

All library patrons who access information through the Library System’s Internet service.

III. OBJECTIVE

To provide a connection to information and ideas available on the Internet and to establish the expectation that all Internet users will utilize the Library’s Internet service in a responsible and legal manner, consistent with the educational, information, and recreational purposes for which it is provided.

IV. PROCEDURES

The Library Internet may be used for educational, informational, or recreational purposes only.

Adult library users will select for themselves whether to use filtered or unfiltered access to the Internet. An adult must sign a BPLS Adult Internet Use Agreement, indicating they have read this policy and agree to abide by it and future versions of the policy as a condition of using the library’s Internet Access Service.

A minor’s parent or legal guardian will determine if the minor may access the Internet and (a) whether access is to be filtered or (b) if the decision to use filtered or unfiltered access is to be left to the minor. A minor’s parent or legal guardian must sign a BPLS Minor Internet Use Agreement, indicating they have read this library policy, agree that the minor may use the Library’s Internet Access Service, that the minor will abide by it and future versions of the policy as a condition of the minor using the library’s Internet Access Service and choose whether the minor’s access is to be filtered or unfiltered. A signed agreement without a choice is not a valid agreement and the minor will not be allowed to use the Library’s Internet Access Service.

Minors must present their library cards at the time of use.

A signed parental permission form is required for juvenile patrons to use Internet service. A copy of the BPLS Public Internet Policy will be provided at the time the form is processed.

BPLS reserves the right to deny access to a minor when he/she is found to be inappropriately using the Internet, even if there is a parental permission form on file.

Library patrons from outside the area who would not reasonably have a BPLS library card may use the Library Internet service a maximum of 5 times by request at the public service desk and by presenting personal (photo) identification. Juveniles from outside the area who wish to use the Internet must be accompanied by parent, guardian or adult BPLS patron to whom they have been entrusted by their parent or guardian.

Time on Library computers may be limited to specified periods when others are waiting.

Use of the Library’s Internet computers is checked out in the same manner as other library materials. Internet computer users must have a library card and be in good standing in order to access the service.

Data downloaded from the Internet may contain computer viruses. Every wireless user is responsible for maintaining virus-checking software on his or her own computer. The BPLS is not responsible for damage to any user’s equipment or computer, or any loss of data, damage, or liability that may occur from the use of the Library’s computers or wireless connection.

Library patrons should respect the privacy of others using Library System computers by not interfering with their use.

Sending, receiving, viewing, downloading, or displaying materials and graphics that may reasonably be construed as obscene is not allowed. Anyone viewing graphics that would be visually offensive to most BPLS library patrons will be asked to leave the site.

The access and display of obscene graphics and child pornography is illegal (Code of Virginia, 18.2-372, 18.2-374.1) and will be reported to law enforcement authorities.

Installing personal software on Library-owned computers is not allowed.

Making changes to the setup or configuration of Library-owned software or hardware including the adjustment or alteration of PC operations systems is not allowed.

Material may be printed at the cost of ten (10) cents per page, fifty (50) cents for color copies.

Information found on the Internet may be downloaded to your own portable storage device. The BPLS is not responsible for damages that may result from files downloaded from the Internet.

The Library System does not provide

uploading of files onto library equipment

file transfer protocol

internet gaming on patron owned computers

support for chat capabilities

e-mail accounts.

Web based e-mail accounts through a commercial provider or educational institution may be accessed. The Bedford Public Library System is not responsible for lost or accessed e-mail.